Telecom News Bulletin

Buying a second hand computer may appear to be an attractive option for many people however a closer analysis will reveal that buying outdated technology may have more pitfalls than advantages…

Computers are expensive items therefore buying second hand appears to be an attractive option for many people seeking a cost-effective shortcut route to technology. Sadly unlike other high priced items, second hand computers in most scenarios turn out to be a major disappointment in terms of performance and often end up being a far more expensive alternative to purchasing a brand new system.

According to analysts, the biggest mistake buyers of second hand computers make is paying too much. A five year old Celeron 500 MHz sells for around a third of a new computer whereas the new computer is six times faster, has four times more memory, ten times bigger hard drive, four times longer warranty, runs the latest operating system and comes with all the software and manuals. Software and manuals are one of the biggest problems with second hand systems. Many come without the original disks, licenses and manuals and since the equipment is sold on an ‘as-is’ basis, if something goes wrong, one is forced to buy all the software that the system came with. The system might be cheap, but if the disks aren’t with it then tough luck for the unassuming buyer who ends up spending a fortune on new software to go with an old system.

A closer look at the current scenario reveals that few industries develop as fast as the PC industry. That shiny system on the shelf at your local computer shop is almost certainly about to be replaced by a better system. Today’s top system is next year’s old dog. As newer technology becomes available, the older equipment gets left behind. Parts for older systems become difficult and expensive to find, making repairs harder. The older systems also become incompatible with newer software and accessories.

The two main reasons for getting rid of a computer are that it no longer does what the user needs or the system has become unreliable or needs expensive repairs. A machine that needs expensive repairs is simply not an option for most computer buyers. Even if the older computer is running well, the odds are an older computer is going to fail sooner than a new system. Third world countries, especially those in the subcontinent like India and Pakistan have recently become dumping grounds for second hand technology or used computers in particular. As soon as technology becomes obsolete in first world countries like US, UK and Europe, containers are filled with discarded hardware like CPUs, Monitors, Keyboards and even mice and shipped off to a third world country like ours and we accept it with open arms.

Interestingly enough, since the last decade or so, used computers have became quite a popular phenomenon in Pakistan. In Karachi, the used computer market at Regal Plaza is frequented by many buyers largely because of the difference in the price of new and used computers. However, with the recent slash in computer prices, the difference has reduced dramatically, with the end result that new systems are now much more affordable whereas the prices of used computers have remained relatively steady. According to computer dealers, the difference in the prices of new and second hand PCs presently stands at a mere 30% as opposed to a previous 50% ratio.

Logically there is no comparison of these used PCs with the warranted new products available in the market. A recent price comparison reveals that the latest Core 2 Duo processor with a 975 Series Intel motherboard combination CPU, costs around Rs 13000 to Rs 17000, while a used plain P-4 will cost you from Rs 8000 to Rs 12000. The price gap between used PCs and new ones has decreased while the technological gap has widened considerably. These new processors have the advantage of more Processing Power, Efficiency, Power Conservation, Compatibility, Performance and Reliability than their used predecessors. Additionally, there is also a huge advantage of a three year warranty that leading manufacturers like Intel directly offer for all their products, which clearly indicates that that new PCs offer much better value for money than old used ones.

Moreover, dealers in second hand systems also have to allow for the increased likelihood of failure which is why we find five year old systems selling for half the price of new systems with only a three month warranty. Not only does it have five year old specifications and parts, but it also has a five year old operating system. In such cases, running Window 98 might not be a problem if one just needs a glorified typewriter. At the right price, an older system for that use may be worthwhile. However, the problems will arise as soon as you buy a new printer to go with that typewriter, try out a digital camera or if you have an urge to play that ‘new’ game on your ‘old’ system.

In addition, environmental and health hazards are critical factors that further negate the concept of buying second-hand PCs. While some term this dumping of second hand technology as a technological boon for a country like Pakistan, others term it as electronic waste containing high amounts of hazardous material such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadium and plastics. According to Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP United Nations Environmental Program, of the E-waste being discarded worldwide, includes at least 700,000 computers arriving in South Asian Ports every month.

UNEP Environment specialist, Alert Bulletin further maintains, ‘The recycling and disposal of computer waste in third world countries becomes a serious problem since their treatment methods remain rudimentary. Such activities pose grave environmental and health hazards; for example, the deterioration of local drinking water which can result in serious illnesses. If these were good quality, second-hand pieces of equipment, this would perhaps be a positive trade of importance for development. But local experts estimate between a quarter to 75 per cent of disposed items to be defunct.”

Having considered all factors, it becomes safe to conclude that second hand computers are rarely worth the price or trouble that one endures for them. Existing and potential computer users in Pakistan therefore need to be better educated about the risks and negative externalities involved when buying outdated technology and therefore encouraging import of E waste. Hence, let us play our due role as responsible citizens by opting for greener, affordable, efficient, reliable and compatible products to be part of the solution rather than contributing to a problem that not only affects the industry at large but also the environment around us. Therefore, when buying a PC, let us have a little more foresight as it will surely enable us to make overall better decisions whilst foregoing temporary trivial monetary benefits.